Have you noticed the shift over the last week or so? In multiple circles of my life (small group, family, friends, clients, at home), I have noticed a shift…a shift toward weariness. When this “shelter in place” first began, there was an attitude of “sure, I can do this for a few weeks.” However, as many of us have been home for 6+ weeks, and the end is still weeks, maybe even months away, the resilience I saw months ago is beginning to fade.
First of all, I totally get this. I have noticed a shift in myself as well. My capacity for work, “homeschooling” and other responsibilities has lessened. I need more breaks, more alone time (I’m an introvert) and my patience is wearing. What have you noticed for yourself? Everyone has a different response, but for the first time during this pandemic, I am noticing a shift from the majority of people in my life.
A few reasons for this shift
- We are built for relationships. Introvert or extrovert, doesn’t matter, we were designed by God for relationships. Digital relationships are not a replacement for in person connection. We have seen this through the rise of social media. We are more “connected” then ever before, but reports of loneliness are higher than ever. I think the same is true right now. The amount of Zoom “meetings” is higher than ever, but people are feeling more disconnected than ever.
- The relationships we do interact with are strained because of heightened emotions and an immense amount of time together. And while this can be a positive (increased family time), it can also feel forced. Marriages are also seeing an increase in conflict and strain.
- Our expectations of what this would look like have majorly changed. So much has changed, at such a rapid, and unexpected pace, we are barely able to keep up. And while there is somewhat a “settling in” to this new “normal, there is a loss of our old normal.
- We are grieving what has been lost and what will be lost. We may never see our old normal return, and if it does it will probably be a long time. There is also the loss of what we are currently missing…birthday gatherings…school…sports…church and church activities…work…the list could go on and on.
Some encouragement
I was working with a client recently, and while our discussion was not particularly about COVID, the conversation led me to draw from Hebrews 12: 1-3:
(1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, (2) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
As I reflected on this verse, even after the session was over, I began to think about the fact that we may all feel like we are running a race right now. The thing is, this is not a race we picked, or would probably ever pick for ourselves. Despite that, we are asked to run the race, keep going down the path that is set before us. Whether we like it or not, this is the race before us. We have a couple of options. We can stand at the start line, dig our heals in, or we can do our best with the race before us.
What does swimming have to do with COVID?
It reminds me of my oldest daughter who is a competitive swimmer. In her club swim season, she is able to pick all of her own races. More times than not, she chooses races in her comfort zone, in her favorite stroke and the distance that she feels most comfortable doing. When she joined the junior high team, all of that changed. At that level, the coach picks the races for her. She had some resistance to this at first; and she questioned the events the coaches picked for her, doubting her ability. As the seasons have gone on, she (and her coaches and us as her parents) have seen such growth, and she has discovered new events and distances that she now loves, ones that she would never have picked for herself.
Running a race we didn’t choose
Most likely, this season, this race, this path, is not one you have chosen but what growth might come from it? What new things about yourself might you learn? When we are in the middle of the race, it’s hard to look back…we can’t look back. But when the race is over, we can look back and gain a new perspective.
This scripture from Hebrews also draws our attention to the fact that we need to rid ourselves of anything that is not helpful in persevering toward the finish line. Is there anything holding you back? Do you need to rid yourself of certain outside influences? Of negative thinking? Of limiting beliefs? And as we rid ourselves of these things, I encourage you to turn your eyes to Jesus, our hope and our example of a courageous sufferer. When we do this, we are less likely to grow weary.
My heart is heavy for the suffering we are all enduring right now. Take that to the One who understands, and ask Him to equip you with perseverance to run the race set before you!
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